Let’s dive into a comfort food classic that warms the soul and pleases the crowd—Funeral Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy potato casserole, topped with a buttery, crunchy topping, is a staple for potlucks, family gatherings, and, yes, even post-funeral meals. Its rich, satisfying flavors and comforting texture make it the ultimate side dish for any occasion.
Why Everyone Loves Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are more than just a casserole—they’re a heartfelt dish that feels like a hug in food form. From the creamy base to the crispy topping, it’s a blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Whether served at a holiday feast or a simple dinner at home, this dish is an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the toppings, mix-ins, and even the seasoning to suit your taste. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dish to share with loved ones.
Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes
Creating this creamy and crunchy casserole requires a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen Hash Browns – Use shredded or diced hash brown potatoes. They’re a convenient, time-saving option and make the dish perfectly tender and creamy.
- Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole base.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – The foundation of the creamy sauce. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar brings a rich, gooey cheesiness to the dish. Feel free to mix in other cheeses for extra flavor.
- Butter – Melted butter combines with the topping to create a golden, crunchy finish.
- Cornflake Cereal (or Panko Breadcrumbs) – The classic crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Onion and Garlic Powder – For a subtle depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To season the dish to perfection.
- Chopped Chives (optional) – For garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
With a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that’s ready to serve and enjoy.
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3:
Add the frozen hash browns to the bowl and gently mix until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 4:
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5:
In a small bowl, mix the cornflake cereal (or panko breadcrumbs) with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes.
Step 6:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives if desired, and serve warm.
How Long to Bake Funeral Potatoes
The perfect Funeral Potatoes should be creamy and bubbling inside, with a golden, crispy topping. Here’s a general guide to ensure your casserole bakes to perfection:
- Preheated Oven Temperature – 350°F (175°C)
- Baking Time – 40-50 minutes
Check for these signs of doneness:
- The casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- The topping is a rich, golden-brown color.
If you’re baking this dish from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Cover the top with foil during the first half of baking to prevent the topping from over-browning.
How to Store Leftovers
Funeral Potatoes are just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerator – Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freezer – If you’d like to freeze the dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Tips for Perfect Funeral Potatoes
- Use High-Quality Cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese and enhances the flavor.
- Add a Protein Boost – Mix in cooked, diced chicken or ham to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.
- Customize the Topping – Swap out cornflakes for panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even potato chips for a fun twist.
- Prepare Ahead of Time – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking for maximum crunch.
- Double the Batch – This dish is a hit at gatherings, so consider making a second casserole for larger crowds!
Funeral Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
- Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy comfort food classic perfect for any occasion. Made with tender hash browns, a rich sour cream and cheese sauce, and a crispy buttery topping, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holidays, or even a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups cornflake cereal, crushed (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the frozen hash browns to the bowl and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, substitute crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips for the cornflakes.
- Add cooked, diced chicken or ham for a more filling casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, removing the foil halfway through baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes